On Maryatt Road, Prior was near his residence trying to find the paper. Meanwhile, gingeristic utterances were directed at Prior in the vehicle from which Costa and Knapper sat. “Prosecutor Mary Aspinall-Miles described how Costa started hurling abuse from the car at Mr. Prior based on the colour of his hair.”

Costa began punching Prior and had also bitten him in the face. Mr. Prior tried to exit the situation. “Mr. Prior put his palms up as if to calm him (Costa) down, and starting backing away at this point. He had no idea why he was being attacked. It appeared that it was simply because of the fact he had ginger-coloured hair.”

According to the Southampton Crown Court, Costa didn’t recall much of the encounter due to intoxication. Knapper accompanied Costa in the assault believing that he (Prior) and Costa were acquainted. Both men will be imprisoned for their actions.